Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar rental in Hamburg - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Hamburg
Hamburg
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Hamburg
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Hamburg
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Hamburg
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Hamburg?
Hamburg, a vibrant port city, offers a wealth of attractions and experiences. While public transportation is efficient, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and venture beyond the city limits.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. Hamburg's surrounding regions boast picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and historical sites easily accessible by car.
Visit Key Attractions Conveniently. Many attractions, like the Speicherstadt or Hagenbeck Zoo, are easier to reach with your own vehicle, saving time and maximising your itinerary.
Enjoy Day Trips to Nearby Cities. Discover Lübeck's medieval architecture or Bremen's fairytale charm with comfortable day trips in your rental car.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Hamburg
Before renting a car in Hamburg, be aware of the key conditions to ensure a smooth experience. This includes age requirements, licence regulations, insurance policies, and potential extra fees.
Area
755 square kilometres (292 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.85 million residents
Time Zone
CET (Central European Time)
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.7/5
1. Age RequirementsIn Hamburg, the minimum age to rent a car is typically 21. However, some rental companies may have stricter age policies or impose additional fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. If your licence is not in a Roman alphabet (e.g., Cyrillic or Arabic), you’ll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection. A security deposit is required, typically held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have daily or total limits. Fuel policies generally require you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential fees for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats. Always check the fine print before booking.
Car Rental Prices in Hamburg – How Much Does It Cost?
Average daily rates in Hamburg vary based on car type and seasonality.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high tourist demand.
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts, making it a budget-friendly time to rent a car.
Prices fluctuate depending on the time of year. Booking in advance and comparing deals can secure the best rates.
How to Book a Car in Hamburg?
Booking a rental car in Hamburg involves a few straightforward steps to ensure a hassle-free experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size and fuel efficiency.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documentation when collecting your rental.
General Information About Hamburg
Hamburg is a bustling port city with a rich maritime history and vibrant cultural scene. Renting a car can enhance your exploration, but it's important to be aware of local traffic conditions and regulations.
As Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg offers a diverse range of attractions, from the historic Speicherstadt to the modern HafenCity. While Hamburg has an excellent public transportation system, a rental car provides flexibility to explore beyond the city centre, visit nearby towns, and enjoy the scenic countryside. Driving in Hamburg requires awareness of traffic rules, parking regulations, and environmental zones.
Top Attractions to Discover
Speicherstadt
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic warehouse district features stunning architecture and canals.
HafenCity
A modern urban development with innovative architecture, museums, and waterfront promenades.
Reeperbahn
Hamburg's famous entertainment district, known for its nightlife and theatres.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Numerous parking garages are available throughout the city, offering secure and convenient parking options.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find and may have time restrictions.
Park & Ride
Park & Ride facilities are located on the outskirts of the city, allowing you to park your car and take public transportation to the city centre.
Gas Stations in Hamburg
Major Brands
Shell, Aral, and Esso are the most common gas stations in Hamburg.
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout the city and on major highways.
Payment
Most gas stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting Hamburg
Environmental Zone
Hamburg has an environmental zone, so make sure your car meets the required emissions standards.
Rush Hour
Avoid driving during rush hour (7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM) to avoid traffic congestion.
Navigation
Use a GPS or navigation app to help you navigate the city's streets.
Public Transport
Consider using public transport for travel within the city centre, as parking can be limited and expensive.
Key Transportation Hubs in Hamburg
Major Bus Stations
Hamburg Central Bus Station
Located near the main train station, providing connections to regional and international destinations.
Railway Stations
Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Main Station)
One of Germany's busiest railway stations, serving local, regional, and international routes.
Hamburg-Altona
A major railway station located in the Altona district, offering connections to various destinations.
Airports
Hamburg Airport (HAM)
Located approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) north of the city centre, offering domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Hamburg?
To rent a car in Hamburg, you'll need to meet certain requirements to ensure a smooth rental process.
A valid driver's licence is required. If your licence is not in German, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed.
The minimum age to rent a car is usually 21, but some companies may have higher age limits or charge extra fees for younger drivers.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Hamburg as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend in Hamburg! Exploring with a car was so convenient.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
Hamburg surprised! Wonderful weekend exploring by car.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 06.05.2025
Loved exploring Hamburg! Getting around with a car was so easy, and I saw so much more than I expected. The Speicherstadt was a highlight.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 12.01.2025
Solid, pretty decent.
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
Back in Hamburg after ages! So much to see, and having a car made it perfect.
Oliver Peterson
Reviewed: 13.10.2024
Pretty laid-back, yeah
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
Pretty good, really
Noah Harris
Reviewed: 16.08.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 28.02.2025